Lions at Raiders 8/10/18 - NFL Preseason Picks & Predictions

On Friday August 10, the Detroit Lions visit the Oakland Coliseum to play the Oakland Raiders in the opening game of the NFL preseason for both teams.

The Lions start the Matt Patricia era and the organization hopes their new head coach will bring a winning attitude to the Motor City. Matthew Stafford returns under center, but will see little or no playing time on Friday, as Matt Cassel and Jake Rudock are expected to take most of the snaps on offense for the Lions.

The Lions want LeGarrette Blount and fellow running back Kerryon Johnson to become accustomed to the offense as both are new to the team. Defensively, the coaching staff will be focused on the linebacker corps that has several players vying for time on the field including Cam Johnson, Christian Jones and Jonathan Freeny.

Oakland begins the second Jon Gruden era on Friday. While Derek Carr is a lock at starting quarterback, the Raiders will have Connor Cook an E.J. Manuel battling to be Carr’s understudy this season. At wide receiver are new faces including notable acquisitions Jordy Nelson and Martavis Bryant as well as Ryan Switzer.

On defense, the Raiders have a fresh new corps of starting linebackers that include Emmanuel Lamur, Derrick Johnson and Tahir Whitehead. The three will need to mesh as a unit during the limited playing time they will see during the Raiders preseason. Oakland’s defensive coaches will take a long hard look at Nick Nelson their talented rookie at cornerback. Matthew Stafford led the Lions offense with 4,446 yards passing, 29 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 2017. Ameer Abdullah was the leading rusher with 552 yards and 4 touchdowns, but will be pressured by rookie back Kerryon Johnson. Marvin Jones Jr. led the Lions in receiving with 1,101 yards and 9 touchdowns. Tahir Whitehead led the team in tackles with 110 but is now with the Raiders, while Ezekiel Ansah was the sacks leader with 12.0 and Darius Slay led in interceptions with 8.

Derek Carr threw for 3,496 yards, 22 touchdowns and 13 interceptions last season. Marshawn Lynch led the Raiders in rushing with 891 yards and 7 touchdowns. Jared Cook led all receivers with 688 yards and 2 touchdowns. Reggie Nelson led in tackles with 89, while Khalil Mack led in sacks with 10.5 and three players had one interception apiece.